Medical imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A medical imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject, an imaging sequence registration unit configured to register an imaging sequence, and a display unit configured to display the imaging sequence registered by the imaging sequence registration unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a medical imaging apparatus, such as afundus camera, to be used for a group examination, at anophthalmologist's office, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitherto, fundus imaging using a fundus camera has been widely used forscreening by a group examination, and a diagnosis of an ophthalmologicaldisease. In recent years, a method for recording a fundus image asdigital data has been widely used. Imaged data is recorded in portabletype recording media or built-in hard disk drives in personal computers(PCs).

The fundus imaging using a fundus camera is known in that a large numberof images are taken in a short time. More particularly, in a groupexamination for screening, a large number of subjects should be taken.Thus, sometimes, a health examination on that day may be terminated dueto an operator's carelessness without photographing a part of subjects.

When omission of photographing of subjects occurs in a groupexamination, it is necessary to request the subjects to come to a healthexamination site or a health examination facility again. When omissionof photographing of subjects occurs in an ophthalmologist's office, itis necessary to apply mydriatics or to intravenously administerfluorescence agents to the subjects. However, a reexamination may be alarge physical and mental burden.

Accordingly, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-115925discusses an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus that can detect, at astage of completion of a health examination on that day, omission ofphotographing of a subject by comparing a list of predetermined subjectsto be captured and that of captured subjects.

However, it is insufficient that subjects to be captured have beenimaged only without omission of photographing of a subject. That is, itis important not only whether subjects are imaged, but which contents offundus are imaged. An appropriate diagnosis is made by a physician oneach captured fundus image. However, in order to make this appropriatediagnosis, it is necessary to take an appropriate number of images of anappropriate part of each subject at an appropriate timing according to adiagnosis object.

For example, fundus imaging in a group examination aims mainly atscreening of diabetes, glaucoma, and the like. In the fundus imagingaiming at the screening, it is necessary to image both of left and righteyes of each subject, because it is impossible to know which of theright and left eyes of each subject is diseased. Accordingly, in groupexaminations, it is often obligated to take one image for each of theright and left eyes of each subject without fail.

However, a conventional fundus imaging apparatus has no means fortransmitting, to operators, information indicating which of the rightand left eyes of each subject is captured, and how many images of theeye is captured. Therefore, the conventional fundus imaging apparatushas a problem in that no operators know which of the right and left eyesof each subject is captured, and how many images of the eye is captured.

On the other hand, in fundus imaging in an ophthalmologist's office,sometimes, in order to make a diagnosis on a diseased part in moredetail, fluorescence photographing is performed by intravenouslyadministering a fluorescence agent to a subject, in addition to colorimaging of a fundus. In this fluorescence photographing, it is extremelyimportant for making a diagnosis to image a fundus at a timing at whichthe fluorescence agent reaches the diseased part. Thus, in anophthalmologist's office, a photographing timing and the number ofimages of a fundus to be taken at each fluorescence photographing aredetermined in advance.

However, the conventional fundus image-taking apparatus has no means forinforming operators of information indicating the imaging timing and thenumber of images of a fundus at each fluorescence photographing.Accordingly, the conventional fundus imaging apparatus has a problem inthat operators cannot know the imaging timing in which certain secondshave elapsed since a fluorescence agent is intravenously administered toa subject, and how many images of a fundus of the subject's eye shouldbe imaged at the timing.

Thus, when the conventional fundus imaging apparatus is used, anoperator does not know how to take the fundus image. Consequently,sometimes, operators forget to take fundus images needed for a diagnosisof a disease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a medical imaging apparatus thatenables an imaging apparatus operator to easily know how fundus imagingshould be performed at an appropriate imaging timing.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical imagingapparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an image of asubject, an imaging sequence registration unit configured to register animaging sequence, and a display unit configured to display the imagingsequence registered by the imaging sequence registration unit.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features,and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a fundus imaging apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates an imaging sequence registration screen in a colorimaging mode.

FIG. 3 illustrates an imaging sequence display screen in the colorimaging mode.

FIG. 4 illustrates an imaging sequence registration screen influorescence imaging mode.

FIG. 5 illustrates a relationship between a permissible time and animaging timing.

FIG. 6 illustrates a imaging sequence display screen in the fluorescenceimaging mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates an imaging screen before imaging is performed in thecolor imaging mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging operation performed in thecolor imaging mode.

FIG. 9 illustrates an imaging screen after imaging is performed in thecolor imaging mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a comparison process performed inthe color imaging mode.

FIG. 11 illustrates an imaging screen before imaging is performed byfluorescence imaging.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging operation performed inthe fluorescence imaging mode.

FIG. 13 illustrates an imaging screen after imaging is performed in thefluorescence imaging mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a comparison process performed inthe fluorescence imaging mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging sequence adjustmentprocedure.

FIG. 16 illustrates an imaging screen before an imaging sequence isadjusted.

FIG. 17 illustrates an imaging screen after the imaging sequence isadjusted.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an examination end determinationoperation.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a configuration of hardware of aninformation processing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the inventionwill be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a fundus imaging apparatusaccording to the present embodiment, which serves as a medical imagingapparatus.

A digital camera 2 that is provided with an image sensor that capturesan image of a fundus of a subject's eye is attached to a fundus camera1. An image captured by the digital camera 2 is output to an informationprocessing apparatus 3.

The information processing apparatus 3 includes an image storage unit 4,a display control unit 5, a timer unit 6, an imaging sequence storageunit 7, an imaging determination unit 8, an imaging sequence adjustmentunit 9, an imaging sequence registration unit 10, an examination controlunit 11, and an examination instruction unit 12. A display unit 13 isconnected to the information processing unit 3.

The display control unit 5 controls a display operation of the displayunit 13, based on images stored in the image storage unit 4, imagingsequences stored in the imaging sequence storage unit 7, and a timemeasured by the timer unit 6. The “imaging sequence” is defined as animaging procedure including at least one of an imaging mode, informationrepresenting which of right/left eyes is a target to be captured, animaging timing, and a permissible time of an imaging timing.

The imaging determination unit 8 determines whether imaging is performedbased on the imaging procedure stored in the imaging sequence storageunit 7. The imaging sequence adjustment unit 9 can adjust an imagingsequence. The examination instruction unit 12 instructs the examinationcontrol unit 11 to end an examination. The examination instruction unit12 can control end of an examination, based on determination made by theimaging determination unit 8.

When fundus imaging is performed, an imaging procedure suitable for adiagnosis is registered as an imaging sequence. Contents of theregistered imaging sequence change according to a purpose of adiagnosis. Thus, an example of color imaging in a group examination andthat of fluorescence imaging in an ophthalmologist's office aredescribed below.

FIG. 2 illustrates an imaging sequence registration screen 21 in a groupexamination, which is displayed on a display screen of the display unit13. An administrator of the group examination registers an imagingsequence via the imaging sequence registration unit 10 and stores theregistered sequence in the imaging sequence storage unit 7 before thegroup examination.

On this screen, conditions for each single fundus image are input. Inthe registration for each imaging sequence, first, an imaging mode isselected. Because color imaging using a non-mydriatic type fundus camerais performed, an option “Color” is selected. Because the groupexamination aims at screening, fluorescence imaging is not performed.

Next, right/left eyes are designated. A diseased part cannot bespecified in the color imaging that aims at screening of the disease. Itis necessary to capture images of fundi of both right and left eyes ofeach subject. Thus, both the imaging sequences respectivelycorresponding to the right and left eyes of each subject are registered.On the imaging sequence registration screen illustrated in FIG. 2,information representing the selection of the “right eye” is input.

On the other hand, in the color imaging, no fluorescence agent is used.Thus, the same fundus image can be captured, regardless of the imagingtiming. Consequently, options “unspecified” and “automatic registration”are respectively selected for input fields corresponding to animaging-timing setting means and a permissible-time setting means onthis registration screen.

Finally, when selection of a registration button 22 provided on a lowerpart of the registration screen is detected, an input imaging sequenceis added to the imaging sequence storage unit 7. Similarly, when animaging sequence for the color imaging of the “left eye” is addedthereto, a total of two imaging sequences respectively corresponding tothe right and left eyes are set, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates an imaging sequence registration screen 24 in thecase of fluorescence imaging performed in an ophthalmologist's office.When fluorescence imaging is performed, imaging sequences are registeredbefore an examination, similarly to the color imaging. On the imagingsequence registration screen 24, an imaging timing and the like for eachsingle image of a fundus are input.

First, an imaging mode is selected. In the ophthalmologist's office,fluorescence imaging using a mydriatic type fundus camera is performed.Thus, an option “Fluo” is selected as the imaging mode on the imagingsequence registration screen 24.

Next, the right eye or the left eye is designated. When fluorescenceimaging is performed, in many cases, a diseased part has already beenspecified. Thus, the right eye or the left eye is designated. However,as illustrated in FIG. 4, the option “unspecified” can be selected bydesignating neither the right eye nor the left eye.

Next, an imaging timing is designated. When fluorescence imaging isperformed, a time having elapsed after the intravenous administration ofa fluorescence agent is an important factor. Thus, it is necessary topreliminarily designate a timing at which imaging is performed.

Thus, the time having elapsed since the intravenous administration of afluorescence agent is registered in the imaging timing input field 25.However, the imaging timing is not limited to the time having elapsedsince the administration of the fluorescence agent. The imaging timingmay be set to be a time having elapsed since the start of theexamination. Alternatively, the imaging timing can be set to be a timehaving elapsed since a first image is captured.

Next, a permissible time is registered. Intrinsically, fluorescenceimaging should be performed at a set imaging timing. However, because anoperator manually performs imaging, it is inevitable that the imagingtiming is slightly deviated.

It is possible due to a blink of a subject or to insufficient ocularfixation thereof that the registered imaging timing has passed. Thus, apermissible time corresponding to the imaging timing can be registeredin consideration of the above-described deviation.

According to the present embodiment, an option “automatic registration”,in which the permissible time is registered automatically, is selected.When the “automatic registration” of the permissible time is selected,the permissible time is automatically set to increase in proportion tothe elapsed time set as an imaging timing, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Generally, the older the subject becomes, the more the ocular fixationstability of the subject increases. Thus, the permissible time can beautomatically registered so as to change according to the subject's age.When color imaging is performed, the tolerance of the permissible timefor the imaging timing is larger, as compared with that of fluorescenceimaging. Therefore, the permissible time can be automatically registeredso as to vary according to an imaging mode. Alternatively, the apparatusmay be configured so that the permissible time is manually set to anoptional value.

Then, when the selection of the registration button 26 provided on thescreen is finally detected, the input imaging sequence is stored in theimaging sequence storage unit 7. This operation of registering theimaging sequence is repeated. Thus, when a series of the fluorescenceimaging sequences is added thereto, the imaging sequences are registeredtherein in the order of the imaging timing, as indicated on the imagingsequence display screen illustrated in FIG. 6.

Although the example of manually setting the imaging sequence has beendescribed above, the imaging sequence may be set via a network or thelike.

When color imaging is performed in a group examination, an operatoroperates, before imaging is performed, the examination instruction unit12 to thereby cause the display 13 to display the imaging screen 28illustrated in FIG. 7. On this imaging screen 28, a main display region29 and a thumbnail display portion 30 are arranged. In the thumbnaildisplay portion 30, image frames 31 corresponding to imaging sequencesstored in the imaging sequence storage unit 7 are displayed.Photographing conditions registered in each imaging sequence aredisplayed in an imaging condition field 32.

Assuming that a total of two imaging sequences respectivelycorresponding to the right and left eye imaging are registered toperform color imaging, as illustrated in FIG. 3, internal portions oftwo image frames 31 and the two imaging condition fields 32 aredisplayed. Additionally, no images are displayed in the image frames 31until imaging is actually performed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging procedure in the colorimaging mode. First, in step S11, the display control unit 5 causes thedisplay unit 13 to display the imaging screen 28 illustrated in FIG. 7.Then, the digital camera 2 performs imaging of the fundus of thesubject's eye in response to an operation of pressing an imaging switchprovided in the fundus camera (not illustrated).

The captured fundus image is stored in the image storage unit 4 of theinformation processing apparatus 3 as image data afterphoto-electrically converted by the digital camera 2. In addition,information representing the designated eye (right or left) and theimaging mode is stored in the image storage unit 4 together with theimage data captured by the digital camera 2.

In step S12, when the imaging determination unit 8 detects that imagedata is stored in the image storage unit 4, a comparison process isperformed for comparing the image data with each imaging sequence storedin the imaging sequence storage unit 7 and determining whether the imagedata is matched with each imaging sequence stored in the storage unit 7.This comparison process is performed according to a flowchartillustrated in FIG. 10, which will be described below.

In step S12, if such information is matched with each other (YES in stepS12), the imaging determination unit 8 determines that imaging has beenperformed based on the imaging sequence. Then, the process proceeds tostep S13 in which the determination unit 8 sets an imaging-completionflag in the matched imaging sequence. Subsequently, the process proceedsto step S14.

In step S14, when the image data stored in the image storage unit 4 isan image obtained by imaging, e.g., the right eye, the display controlunit 5 causes the display unit 13 to display a captured image in themain display region 29, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In addition, thedisplay control unit 5 causes the display unit 13 to display a capturedimage in the image frame 31 corresponding to an associated imagingsequence that satisfies the condition. Consequently, the operator canrecognize the image frame 31 in which the captured image is embedded.Thus, the operator can easily grasp that the imaging sequence isperformed.

On the other hand, in step S12, if no registered imaging sequencesatisfies the condition (NO in step S12), the imaging determination unit8 determines that imaging of an image captured according to theconditions other than those registered in the imaging sequences isperformed. Then, the process proceeds to step S15 in which the displaycontrol unit 5 causes the display unit 13 to display a captured image inthe main display region 29 and to create a new image frame in thethumbnail display portion 30 and display the captured image in thisimage frame.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the comparison process to beperformed in step S12 illustrated in FIG. 8.

First, in step S21, the imaging determination unit 8 reads the firstregistered imaging sequence from the imaging sequence storage unit 7.Next, in step S22, the imaging determination unit 8 compares theinformation designating the right or left eye stored together with theimaged data in the image storage unit 4, with that designated in theimaging sequence to determine whether the information designating theright or left eye stored in the image storage unit 4 with thatdesignating the right or left eye designated in the imaging sequence.

If the information designating the right or left eye stored in the imagestorage unit 4 is not matched with that designated in the imagingsequence (NO in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23 in which theimaging determination unit 8 determines whether the registered imagingsequence to be compared is the last one that has been registered.

If the imaging determination unit 8 determines that the registeredimaging sequence to be compared is the last one (YES in step S23), theimaging determination unit 8 determines that the comparison with all ofthe imaging sequences is finished. Then, the process proceeds to stepS24 in which the imaging determination unit 8 determines that the imagedata stored in the image storage unit 4 is an image captured accordingto the conditions other than those registered in the imaging sequences.If the imaging determination unit 8 determines that the imaging sequenceis not the last one (NO in step S23), the process returns to step S21,because the next registered imaging sequence is present. Subsequently,similar steps are repeated.

In step S22, if the information representing the right or left eye ismatched with that registered in the imaging sequence (YES in step S22),the process proceeds to step S25, in which the imaging determinationunit 8 determines whether the information representing the imaging modestored in the image storage unit 4 is matched with that of the imagingmode registered in the imaging sequence.

If the information representing the imaging mode stored in the storageunit 4 is not matched with that of the imaging mode registered in theimaging sequence (NO in step S25), the process proceeds to step S23. Ifthe information representing the imaging mode stored in the storage unit4 is matched with that representing the imaging mode registered in theimaging sequence (YES in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26, inwhich the imaging determination unit 8 determines that the imaging isperformed based on the conditions registered in the imaging sequence.

Next, in the imaging procedure of the fluorescence imaging performed inan ophthalmologist's office, an operator operates the examinationinstruction unit 12 (not illustrated) before the imaging is performed.Thus, the display unit 13 is caused to display an imaging screen 41illustrated in FIG. 11. The imaging screen 41 includes a main displayregion 42, a thumbnail display portion 43, and a time-line displayportion 44 serving as a time axis.

On the thumbnail portion 43, an image frame 45 corresponding to eachimaging sequence stored in the imaging sequence storage unit 7 isdisplayed. The imaging conditions registered in each imaging sequencestored in the imaging sequence storage unit 7 are displayed in theimaging condition field 46.

The time line display portion 44 is marked with scale marks at uniformintervals corresponding to each unit time. In the time line displayportion 44, a time having elapsed since the administration of afluorescence agent is displayed. The image frame 45 and the imagingcondition field 46 are displayed at positions above the time linedisplayed in the time line display portion 44, which correspond to eachof the imaging timing registered in each imaging sequence.

An imaging timing line 47 indicating the imaging timing registered ineach imaging sequence, and a permissible time display region 48indicating a permissible time length for each imaging timing areprovided on the time line display portion 44.

In addition, an elapsed time display line 49 representing a time havingelapsed since the intravenous administration of a fluorescence agent upto a current time is provided on the time line display portion 44. Theelapsed time display line 49 is controlled so as to move to the right onthe time line with time, as illustrated with FIG. 11.

In this case, fluorescence imaging is performed. Thus, imaging sequencesfor seven images are preliminarily set, as illustrated in FIG. 6.Because the number of imaging sequences is 7, seven sets of the imageframe 45, the imaging condition field 46, the imaging timing line 47,and the permissible time display regions 48 are displayed.

When a display width of the thumbnail portion 43 is insufficient, asillustrated in FIG. 11, displaying of each thumbnail is performed withina range in which thumbnails can be displayed. In this case, all of theimage frames 45, the imaging condition fields 46, the imaging timinglines 47, and the permission time display portions 48 can be displayedby laterally scrolling the thumbnail display portion 43.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging procedure of fluorescenceimaging. An operator intravenously injects a fluorescence agent to asubject after the imaging screen 13 illustrated in FIG. 11 aredisplayed.

In step S31, the operator operates a timer start button of theexamination instruction unit 12, simultaneously with the intravenousinjection. The examination control unit 11 detects the operationperformed on the timer start button. Then, in step S32, the timer unit 6starts measurement of the elapsed time in response to the detection ofthe operation of the timer start button by the examination control unit11. In addition, the display control unit 5 starts displacement ofindication of the elapsed time display line 49.

In step S33, the operator makes the subject seated in front of thefundus camera 1. Then, positioning of the subject's eye and adjustmentof the focus are performed. Imaging of the fundus of the subject's eyeis performed by pushing an imaging switch (not illustrated) to cause aflash unit to emit light.

At that time, the operator pays particular attention to a positionalrelationship between the display position of the elapsed time displayline 49 and the imaging timing line 47. Thus, the operator can recognizea current position on an imaging sequence. Consequently, the operatorcan easily grasp the next imaging timing.

The captured fundus image is stored as image data in the image storageunit 4 after photo-electrically converted by the digital camera 2. Inaddition, information representing an elapsed time and an imaging modeat the time of imaging the fundus image is stored in the image storageunit 4 together with the image data.

In step S34, when the imaging determination unit 8 detects that theimage data is stored in the image storage unit 4, the imagingdetermination unit 8 performs a comparison of the image data with eachimaging sequence stored in the imaging sequence storage unit 7. Thiscomparison process is performed according to a flowchart illustrated inFIG. 14, which will be described below.

In step S34, if it is determined that the elapsed time is within therange of the permissible time, and that the imaging mode is matched withthe imaging mode of imaging sequence (YES in step S34), the processproceeds to step S35, in which it is determined that the imagingaccording to the imaging sequence is performed. Then, animaging-completion flag is set in the matched imaging sequence.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S36 in which the displaycontrol unit 5 displays a captured image in the main display region 42,as illustrated in FIG. 13. In addition, the captured image is displayedin the image frame 45 that meets the conditions.

An elapsed time when the imaging is actually performed is displayed inthe imaging condition field 46 of the imaging sequence matched with theconditions. The operator recognizes the image frame 45, in which thecaptured image is embedded, and the imaging condition field 46. Thus,the operator can easily grasp that the sequence has been performed.

On the other hand, in step S34, if no imaging sequence matching theconditions with the captured image is found (NO in step S34), it isdetermined that imaging of an image captured according to the conditionsother than those registered in the imaging sequences is performed. Then,the process proceeds to step S37 in which the display control unit 5causes the display unit 13 to display the captured image in the maindisplay region 42, and the display control unit 5 generates a new imageframe in the thumbnail display portion 43 and displays the capturedimage in this image frame.

It is desirable that the newly generated image frame is displayed on thetime line at the position corresponding to the elapsed time of theimaging of the image. However, if this image frame overlaps with theprevious image frame or the next image frame, the newly generated imageframe can be displayed at another position in the thumbnail displayportion 43.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the comparison process to beperformed in step S34 illustrated in FIG. 12. First, in step S41, thefirst registered imaging sequence is read from the imaging sequencestorage portion 7.

Next, in step S42, a lower limit time is calculated by subtracting thepermissible time from the imaging timing registered in the imagingsequence. Then, in step S43, a value obtained by adding the permissibletime to the imaging timing registered in the imaging sequence iscalculated as an upper limit time.

Subsequently, in step S44, it is determined whether the time havingelapsed since the intravenous administration of the fluorescence agentis within the range between the above-described lower limit time andupper limit time. If the elapsed time is not within the lower limit timeand the upper limit time (NO in step S44), the process proceeds to stepS45. In step S45, it is determined whether the comparison with all ofthe registered imaging sequences has been finished.

If it is determined that the comparison with all of the registeredimaging sequences has been finished (YES in step S45), it is determinedthat imaging of an image captured according to the conditions other thanthose registered in the imaging sequences is performed. If it isdetermined that the imaging sequence is not the last one (NO in stepS45), the process returns to step S41, because the next imaging sequenceis present. Then, same steps are repeated.

In step S44, if it is determined that the elapsed time is within therange between the lower limit time and the upper limit time (YES in stepS44), the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, it is determinedwhether information of the imaging mode stored in the image storage unit4 is matched with that of the imaging mode set in the imaging sequence.If the imaging modes are not matched (NO in step S46), the processproceeds to step S45. If the imaging modes are matched (YES in stepS46), it is determined that the imaging is based on the conditions setin the imaging sequence.

According to the fundus image imaging apparatus of the presentembodiment, the imaging sequences can easily be grasped by clearlyspecifying the imaging sequences. However, actually, sometimes, imagingis not performed according to the conditions set in the imaging sequenceeven when the imaging timing has passed. This is because the imagingcannot be performed at the designated imaging timing due to contingencysuch as a blink of subject or insufficient fixation thereof.

In such a case, it is necessary to adjust the imaging sequences. FIG. 15is a flow chart illustrating an adjustment procedure for adjusting theimaging sequences by the information processing unit 3. First, in stepS51, the timer unit 6 starts to measure elapsed time since the starttime designated by pushing a timer start button on the examinationinstruction unit 12.

Next, in step S52, the imaging sequence adjustment unit 9 compares theimaging timing registered in the imaging sequence with the elapsed time.If the imaging timing is less than the elapsed time and theimaging-completion flag is not set, the imaging sequence adjustment unit9 determines that imaging is not performed even when the designatedimaging timing has passed.

In step S52, if the imaging sequence adjustment unit 9 determines thatimaging is not performed even when the imaging timing has passed (NO instep S52), the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the imagingsequence adjustment unit 9 calculates the imaging timing by adding acertain time to the elapsed time. On the other hand, in step S52, if theimaging sequence adjustment unit 9 determines that imaging is performedat the imaging timing (YES in step S52), then the process returns tostep S51.

Next, the imaging timing, which is stored in the imaging sequencestorage unit 7, at which imaging cannot actually be performed, isupdated using the calculated imaging timing.

FIG. 16 illustrates the imaging screen when imaging is not performedeven when the set imaging timing has passed. The elapsed time displayline 49 has moved to the right beyond the imaging timing line 47 and thepermission time display region 48. No image is displayed in the imageframe 45 of the imaging sequence No. 2.

After the imaging timing is updated, the imaging timing line 47 and theimage frame 45 are moved to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 17. On theimaging screen 41 in FIG. 17, the imaging timing, which is scheduled as10 seconds since the intravenous administration of a fluorescence agentis performed, is shifted backward by 3 seconds. Thus, the scheduled timeis updated to be 13 seconds.

Because the imaging timing is updated from 10 seconds to 13 seconds bythe imaging sequence adjustment unit 9, the operator can try again totake a second image corresponding to the imaging sequence No. 2, whichhas not been captured.

When an examination is finished, since the imaging sequence is setaccording to a purpose of the examination, an appropriate diagnosiscannot be performed unless all of the set imaging sequences arefinished.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whetherthe examination can be finished. First, in step S61, the examinationcontrol unit 11 detects an operation performed by an operator on theexamination instruction unit 12.

Next, in step S62, the examination control unit 11 reads a leadingimaging sequence from the imaging sequence storage unit 7. Subsequently,in step S63, the examination control unit 11 determines whether animaging-completion flag for the read imaging sequence is set.

If the imaging-completion flag is set (YES in step S62), the processproceeds to step S64. In step S64, the examination control unit 11determines whether checking of the imaging-completion flag has beencompleted on all imaging sequences. If the examination control unit 11determines that the checking has not been completed (NO in step S64),the process returns to step S62. Then, the examination control unit 11reads the next imaging sequence. Subsequently, the above-describedchecking process is repeated until the end of the imaging sequences isdetected.

If the examination control unit 11 determines that the end of theimaging sequence is detected, and that the imaging-completion flag isset for all of the imaging sequences (YES in step S64), the processproceeds to step S65. In step S64, the fundus imaging apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is allowed to finish theexamination. Thus, the imaging of the subjects is finished.

On the other hand, in step S63, if at least one of theimaging-completion flags is not set (NO in step S63), the processproceeds to step S66, and the apparatus is prohibited from finishing theexamination.

If finishing of the examination is prohibited, the operator can continueto perform unfinished imaging sequences. At that time, the operator cancheck unfinished imaging sequences on the imaging screen illustrated inFIG. 9. Thus, the imaging of the rest of the imaging sequences caneasily be performed.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a configuration of hardware of theinformation processing apparatus 3. A central processing unit (CPU) 51is a control unit for controlling the entire information processingapparatus 3. The CPU 51 corresponds to the display control unit 5, theimaging determination unit 8, the imaging sequence registration unit 10,the imaging sequence adjustment unit 9, and the examination control unit11, which are illustrated in FIG. 1.

A storage unit 52 is a storage apparatus, such as a hard disk drive, andstores programs that can be executed by a computer for integratedlycontrolling the entire information processing apparatus 3. The storageunit 52 stores also images captured by the digital camera 2, and theregistered imaging sequences

The storage unit 52 corresponds to the image storage unit 4, and theimaging sequence storage unit 7. A random access memory (RAM) 53 is amemory for temporarily storing programs and the like read from thestorage unit 52.

An operation unit 54 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, andthe like and corresponds to the examination instruction unit 12. A timer55 corresponds to the timer unit 6.

In the exemplary embodiment described above, an example of a fundusimaging apparatus is described. However, the present invention can beapplied to a medical imaging apparatus, such as an X-ray imagingapparatus, for medical examinations.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2008-167061 filed Jun. 26, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical imaging apparatus comprising: animaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject's eye; aregistration unit configured to register an imaging sequence; and adisplay control unit configured to control a display unit to display adisplay configuration which indicates the registered imaging sequence,wherein, in a case where the image of the subject's eye has beencaptured not in accordance with the registered imaging sequence, thedisplay control unit controls the display unit to display a new framecorresponding to a new imaging sequence.
 2. The medical imagingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit registersthe imaging sequence including an imaging timing for capturing the imageof the subject's eye, wherein the image of the subject's eye includes afundus image of the subject's eye, and wherein the display control unitcontrols the display unit to display the display configuration whichindicates the imaging timing and the fundus image of the subject's eyecaptured in accordance with the new imaging sequence in the new frame.3. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 2, furthercomprising a timer unit configured to measure elapsed time from apredetermined time, wherein the display control unit controls thedisplay unit to display the display configuration which indicates theelapsed time on a time axis.
 4. The medical imaging apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein the elapsed time is a time having elapsed since anexamination starts.
 5. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim2, wherein the registration unit registers the imaging sequenceindicating a permissible time for the imaging timing according to age ofthe subject, and wherein the display control unit controls the displayunit to display the display configuration which indicates thepermissible time along a time axis.
 6. The medical imaging apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the display control unit controls thedisplay unit to display an image frame corresponding to the registeredimaging timing, and wherein the display unit displays a fluorescenceimage of the fundus in the image frame.
 7. The medical imaging apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the registration unit registers apermissible time for the fluorescence imaging timing, and wherein thedisplay control unit controls the display unit to display the displayconfiguration which indicates the permissible time along a time axis. 8.The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 7, further comprisingan adjustment unit configured to adjust the imaging timing and thepermissible time so as to delay the imaging timing and the permissibletime by a predetermined time in a case where an imaging is not performedeven when the imaging timing has passed.
 9. The medical imagingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit registersthe imaging sequence including information indicating which one of rightand left eyes of the subject is to be captured.
 10. The medical imagingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an imagingdetermination unit configured to determine whether an imaging-completionflag has been set in the imaging sequence; and an end prohibition unitconfigured to prohibit ending of an examination until the imagingdetermination unit determines that the imaging-completion flag has beenset in the imaging sequence.
 11. The medical imaging apparatus accordingto claim 10, wherein, when the examination includes more than oneimaging sequence, the end prohibition unit prohibits ending theexamination until the imaging determination unit determines that theimaging-completion flag has been set in all imaging sequences.
 12. Themedical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registrationunit resisters a plurality of fluorescence imaging timings for an imageof a fundus of the subject's eye, and wherein the display control unitcontrols the display unit to display a display configuration whichindicates the plurality of fluorescence imaging timings along a timeaxis.
 13. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 12, furthercomprising a determination unit configured to determine the plurality offluorescence imaging timings according to an elapsed time of afluorescence imaging of the fundus of the subject's eye.
 14. The medicalimaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging sequenceincludes an imaging procedure comprising at least one of an imagingmode, information representing which of right or left of the subject'seye is to be captured, an imaging time, and a permissible time forimaging capture.
 15. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1,wherein, in a case where the image of the subject's eye has beencaptured in accordance with the registered imaging sequence, the displaycontrol unit controls the display unit to display the captured image ina frame of the imaging sequence.
 16. A medical imaging methodcomprising: capturing an image of a subject's eye; registering a imagingsequence; and controlling a display unit to display a displayconfiguration which indicates the registered imaging sequence and thecaptured image of the subject's eye, wherein, in a case where the imageof the subject's eye has been captured not in accordance with theregistered imaging sequence, the controlling step controls the displayunit to display a new frame corresponding to a new imaging sequence. 17.A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing acomputer-executable program of instructions for causing a computer toperform a method, the method comprising: capturing an image of asubject's eye; registering an imaging sequence; and controlling adisplay unit to display a display configuration which indicates theregistered imaging sequence and the captured image of the subject's eye,wherein, in a case where the image of the subject's eye has beencaptured not in accordance with the registered imaging sequence, thecontrolling step controls the display unit to display a new framecorresponding to a new imaging sequence.
 18. A medical imaging apparatuscomprising: an imaging unit configured to capture an image of asubject's eye; a registration unit configured to register an imagingtiming; and a display control unit configured to control a display unitto display a display configuration which indicates the registeredimaging timing, wherein, in a case where the image of the subject's eyehas been captured not in accordance with the registered imaging timing,the display control unit controls the display unit to display a newframe corresponding to a new imaging timing.
 19. The medical imagingapparatus according to claim 18, wherein the display control unitcontrols the display unit to display the imaging timing along a timeaxis and the fundus image of the subject's eye captured at the newimaging timing in the new frame.
 20. The medical imaging apparatusaccording to claim 18, further comprising a determination unitconfigured to determine a timing delayed from the registered imagingtiming by a predetermined time as the new imaging timing.